As well as being the third stage of the Affric-Kintail Way, this route is also the easiest (though not the shortest) approach to Alltbeithe (Glen Affric YHA), Britain's remotest Youth Hostel. There is a track throughout and the forest, loch and glen scenery is wonderful.
Easy track throughout.
None to start.
River Affric car park.
Start from the large car park (charge) at the end of the Glen Affric minor road; please note there is no overnight parking here (nearest 1.5km back) so if not walking as a continuous route you may need to leave the car there. This is a popular picnic site, and there are toilets available. The walk begins along the track which is the continuation of the tarmac road; the track immediately forks. It is possible to reach the hostel using the path on the northern side of Loch Affric (see Loch Affric circuit, but the southern route is easier and has better views and is the route of the Affric Kintail Way. Take the left branch for this southern route, crossing a bridge over the river.
At the next fork turn right. Soon there are fine views of the first, narrow section of Loch Affric, which is bridged at its western end.
Ignore the footpath off left to Cougie and continue on the main track across the bridge. Soon, the main, beautiful section of Loch Affric is on your right and you'll also pass the small Loch Salach a Ghiublais over to your left.. Continue for several kilometres through the magnificent pine woods with views over the loch to the mountains beyond. It is better to stay on the track rather than take the path shown on the 1:25 000 map going down to the shore, which is indistinct and very boggy. The views across the loch to the great mountains of Càrn Eige and Mam Sodhail are superb.
Eventually the track comes down to the grand and fast-flowing River Affric, with the great mountain of Mullach Fraoch-choire dominating further up the glen. Turn off here on the path along the riverbank to the white cottage. Cross the bridge to Strawberry cottage (hut owned by An Teallach Mountaineering Club) on the far side , and continue up the track. After just less than kilometre the path from the north side of Loch Affric joins in from the right; continue on the main track. This passes above the marshy Loch an Fheadain.
Further on the track crosses a bridge over the Allt Coire Ghadheil. Continue for a further three kilometres, passing one or two eroded sections, to reach Alltbeithe.
The green-painted Glen Affric Youth Hostel (advance booking required) is open during the summer months only, and is a meeting place for walks in several directions. One can head across the river and into the An Caorann Mòr and the Cluanie Inn. There are two routes continuing west to Morvich in Kintail. Alltbeithe is also the usual base for ascends in the Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan group of peaks.
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